Dear readers

Sakura has bloomed again this year in Okazaki Park in Kyoto, where the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Designs is located. This is the season when people can feel bright and cheerful at the beginning of a new stage, such as entering a new school or starting a new job. At the same time, it is a time to take on new challenges and make a fresh start.

In 2016, Kyoto Artisans Concierge was started as bridges between customers and the artisans and traditional craft workshops that have supported Japanese traditional industries and traditional crafts . We have continued to provide valuable experiences and opportunities to share the spirit of handmade craftsmanship and the ” heart warmth” of traditional craftsmanship.

Something is happening that threatens our daily normal life. Once again, I strongly feel every day how grateful I am that people around the world can freely communicate with each other, overcoming the barriers of national borders and language. Through traditional crafts, I would like to develop our consultative function, people can mutually understand each other and feel the “warmth” of others.

In addition to the artisans who have supported us up to now, we will also cultivate new genres that have never served before. We will also increase our contact points with customers to create encounters with new artisans. Based on the customer’s point of view, this year we intend to provide ” enjoyable”, ” thoughtful”, and ” exclusive” services to our customers. Also, we would like to continue to develop customized programs that will provide you with valuable time. We look forward to your continued support in the new year.

Text ＆Translation: Kyoto Museum of Crafts & Design , Yutaka Sato

Photo courtesy of Kyoto Museum of Crafts & Design.